One Day in Erfurt: A Taste of Thuringia

Discover the charm of Erfurt, Germany - a hidden gem in the heart of Europe.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Erfurt, one can explore the rich heritage and history of the city by visiting the Erfurt Cathedral, the Krämerbrücke, and the Petersberg Citadel. The city also offers various museums such as the Angermuseum, and cultural events like the Erfurt Christmas Market. The local cuisine can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants serving traditional Thuringian dishes.

Day trip plan

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Day

Erfurt in One Day

  • Start your day at the charming Krämerbrücke, a medieval bridge lined with shops and cafes.
  • Visit the stunning Erfurt Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and rich history dating back to the 8th century.
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses.
  • Stop by the Augustinerkloster, where Martin Luther studied and lived as a monk in the early 16th century.
  • Enjoy a traditional Thuringian lunch at Zum Goldenen Schwan, a cozy restaurant serving local specialties like Thüringer Rostbratwurst and Klöße.
  • End your day with a beer at the acclaimed Brauhaus zum goldenen Schwan, where you can try their delicious house-brewed beer and soak up the lively atmosphere of Erfurt's nightlife scene.
  • Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and there are many other attractions, shops and restaurants to explore in Erfurt. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to wander and discover the city's hidden gems!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Erfurt, Germany by plane is to fly into Erfurt-Weimar Airport (ERF) from major cities like Frankfurt, Munich, or Cologne. From the airport, you can catch a taxi or take the tram line 4 towards Bindersleben to reach Erfurt city center.

Car

If you're driving to Erfurt, you can take the A4 autobahn from cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, or Munich. Depending on your starting point, it can take between 2 to 6 hours to reach Erfurt. Once you arrive, you can park your car at one of the many public parking facilities in the city center and explore the city on foot.

Train

If you prefer traveling by train, you can take a high-speed Deutsche Bahn train from major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Munich to Erfurt Hauptbahnhof. From there, you can take a local train or bus to reach your final destination.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat connections to Erfurt, as the city is not located near any major waterway. However, you can take a riverboat tour along the nearby Saale river and admire the scenic landscape of Thuringia. The nearest port to Erfurt is located in Naumburg, which is about 50 km away.

Bus

Traveling by bus to Erfurt is also a viable option, especially if you're coming from within Germany or neighboring countries. There are regular bus services from cities like Berlin, Dresden, or Prague, which arrive at Erfurt's Central Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi or public transport to reach your destination.

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